Close to shore . . .

Exploring closer the shoreline today I made some unusual finds.  A dragonfly lives most of its life underwater as a nymph.  They have exoskeletons, so in order to grow, they molt off their old 'skin'.  This looks like the final molt left-over for an adult dragonfly.



Not long afterward, I came across a Great Black Wasp enjoying a swamp milkweed.







And lastly, the skeletonizing Japanese Beetles are back.  This one is enjoying lunch under the spotty shade of his own handiwork. 

Enjoy!

~ Robin

More Summer

Purple Prairie Clover

Culver's Root

Eastern Purple Coneflower

Canadian Milkvetch

Bees, beetles, dragonflies and butterflies have been enjoying the new wildflowers.

I couldn't include them all today, expect more tomorrow.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Blue Vervain

Creeping Bellflower

Beetle Beetle BEETLE!

The Japanese Beetles are out in force now.  The hot weather brings them.  But what is this?  A Giant Ladybug?  Nope, this is a Grapevine Beetle.  (Sometimes called a spotted June beetle.)  Though much bigger, they are far less destructive.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Cup Plant Full of Life

Not to be confused with the Prairie Dock, or the compass, a number of Cup Plants are now in bloom along Boone Avenue. All three flowers look similar and all three are tall.  The Cup Plants are easy to identify by their leaves.  They form a 'cup' on the stem.

I couldn't help notice so many forms of life to be found on this amazing plant.  Bees, Japanese Beetles, Golden Finch,


Assassin bug nymphs.            
Soldier beetles and a Jumping spiders.
Enjoy!
~ Robin

This and That and They're Back!

I saw many things on my walk this evening.  A Great Black Wasp was enjoying a delicious dinner compliments of a Virginia Mountain Mint.  They are a large wasp whose wings sometimes look dark blue.


Not far away, an army of Japanese beetles were making short work of the leaves of this plant.  This invasive beetle is back.  Originally from Japan, they seem to be claiming and conquering many a leaf in our park.













On a prettier note, also found a small Eastern Tailed Blue butterfly.

Enjoy!

~ Robin